Report Title:

Blind, Deaf, and Deaf-Blind Persons; Needs Assessment; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for a needs assessment for the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind community in Hawaii.  (HB1998 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1998

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE NUMBER OF BLIND, DEAF, AND DEAF-BLIND PERSONS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there are no current, accurate statistics on the number of blind, deaf, and deaf-blind persons in the State of Hawaii.  Additionally, more information is required regarding the needs of this population.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of human services to conduct a needs assessment for the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind residents of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of human services shall conduct a needs assessment for the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind community in Hawaii.  The department of human services may contract with a third party to conduct the survey.

     (b)  The needs assessment shall include:

     (1)  The total number of blind, deaf, and deaf-blind persons residing in the State and residing on each island;

     (2)  Data on the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind community in Hawaii and nationwide; and

     (3)  Services required or desired by the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind community.

For purposes of the needs assessment, "deaf" and "blind" shall have the same meaning as defined under section 235-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (c)  The department of human services shall submit the results of the needs assessment to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2009 regular session.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for a survey to determine the total number of blind, deaf, and deaf-blind persons residing in the State and residing on each island of the state.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.